dolphia blocker
Dan Blocker and His Wife, Dolphia Blocker
Dan Blocker became best-known as Hoss Cartwright from his role on NBC television series Bonanza from September 1959 until January 1973; appearing in 415 episodes before his passing away.
Blocker was an enormous man; at 6ft4 and 300 pounds he brought Hoss to life with both his physical size and soft nature.
Early Life and Education
Dolphia Blocker was an average wife and mother who supported her husband’s career while raising their children to be grounded individuals despite his celebrity. To do this successfully, she avoided public attention while focused on running their homestead efficiently.
Dan Blocker became famous as Hoss Cartwright from Bonanza. His character appeared for 415 episodes and became beloved among many Americans.
Blocker was a prominent liberal Democrat and supported Pat Brown’s bid for governor of California. Additionally, he served in the military and earned numerous accolades, such as receiving the Purple Heart. Blocker and Dolphia Parker met while attending Sul Ross State University as students; together, they married 52 years before his passing away in May 1972 with four children — Dirk and David being two sons who survived him.
Professional Career
Blocker worked as a teacher in Sonora and Carlsbad, New Mexico before moving to California to earn his PhD. Soon thereafter he was cast as Hoss Cartwright on Bonanza for over four years, appearing in over 415 episodes.
Vinegaroon Motor Racing was also under his control; here he built Grand Prix cars that were too big for him. Additionally, he held partial ownership in Ponderosa Steakhouse chain of restaurants.
He and Dolphia Lee Parker had been married for over 20 years and raised four children together – twin daughters Debra Lee and Danna Lynn, as well as brothers David and Dirk Blocker who went on to careers in entertainment. He died from a pulmonary embolism on May 13, 1972.
Achievement and Honors
Since her husband Dan Blocker’s passing in 1972, Dolphia Blocker has kept a low profile. No media have reported on her presence and no one knows where or what she does for work.
Dirk and David follow in the footsteps of their father as entertainment industry professionals. Dirk has become an accomplished actor who has appeared on multiple TV series while David is an award-winning producer who has produced some fantastic projects himself.
He is known for his roles on TV shows such as Marcus Welby, M.D, The X-Files, Walker Texas Ranger Matlock CHiPs and Brooklyn Nine-Nine; in which he famously portrays Michael Hitchcock. His acting debut came with an episode of Marcus Welby M.D back in 1974.
Personal Life
After his military service, Blocker attended Sul Ross State Teacher’s College in Alpine, Texas and received his Master of Dramatic Arts degree. Additionally, he taught high school.
His marriage to Dolphia Parker began in 1952 and continued up until his death. Together they raised four children: twin daughters Debra and Danna as well as sons Dirk and David who later pursued careers in acting and film production.
Since his passing due to a pulmonary embolism during gallbladder surgery on May 13, 1972 and burial at Woodmen Cemetery in De Kalb, Texas on the following May 13th. Since his passing Dolphia has not remarried but instead focused on taking care of her children while remaining out of public eye; currently she is in her late seventies.
Net Worth
Dolphia Blocker has kept a low profile since her husband died, raising four children who are all involved in entertainment careers – David earned an Emmy award and produced several movies while Dirk and Debra Lee are artists. Additionally, Blocker ventured into business when she launched Bonanza Steakhouse restaurant chain; she held partial ownership in its franchises while acting as commercial spokespersons for each location.
Blocker is a Free Methodist who embraces liberal politics. She supported Pat Brown for governor of California and Eugene J. McCarthy for Democratic presidential nomination in 1968; as well as supporting Republican John McCain. Blocker hails from Oklahoma City.